We were lucky to catch up with Paolo Tolentino recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Paolo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first time I sold a painting. I was on a bus ride on my way to a friends house. I just finished painting at my old mentor’s studio. So I hopped on a bus carrying this fresh 9×12″ painting. The bus was packed so this woman sat next to me and she saw the painting. She fell in love with it and asked how much it was. I didn’t know how to price my paintings back then so I told her “give me an offer”. She only had $40 in her wallet, so she gave me $40! It happened so quick I didn’t even get a chance to take a photo of the painting, get the buyers name or information! But yeah, that’s when I realised I can make money from selling my paintings. It encouraged me to keep doing what I do.

Paolo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

So, my name’s Paolo. I grew up in a town called Watford in England. I’m a painter, muralist, graphic designer and a curator. I still feel weird calling myself those things because I feel like I haven’t earned those titles just yet.

I got into art at a young age. I started my journey in graphic design around the age of 14/15, that’s around the same time I discovered street art because of Shepard Fairey.

I’m currently based in New York City where I paint on canvas/wood panels, design posters, paint murals and curate art shows. The first show I curated was back in 2018 and I got into it through Queens Art Collective. I currently curate shows at a gallery in Brooklyn called Arty Goodness and at my local bar Sweet Avenue with my buddy Mort.
I’ve done a few corporate work here and there.

I have and had murals in and around New York City, mostly through Underhill Walls.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I feel for me, as a curator my goal is to give talented artists a platform to showcase their work. There’s so many talented artists out there just waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, a lot of them don’t have the confidence or ego to bring themselves out there. That’s where I come in. I want to help them get into an artist community where they feel accepted and help them build some confidence. Also to build a community. I’m hoping that one day I can have my own creative hub where I can provide artists a 3-6 month residency where they can create and showcase their work in monthly group shows. Also I just to help these artists bring food on their table!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it’s not about the instagram likes or share or going viral. For me it’s someone connecting with my art. Making someone laugh because they saw one of my posters. Laughter can go a long way! It could make someone’s day. That’s it really. Just knowing there’s one person that connects with my work makes me happy and helps motivate me to keep doing what I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @paolo_tolentino

Image Credits

@jaimemarrero